FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Salute to Business 2025: The Future is Bright
Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff
The Temple Chamber of Commerce proudly presents Salute to Business 2025, our 118th Annual Dinner Meeting. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. Join us for an evening of networking, insight, and celebration.
JANUARY 2025
BUSINESS LINK LUNCH
Thursday, January 9, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Sponsored by: Weston Inn Nursing & Rehabilitation and Texas Roadhouse
Registration Required
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Thursday, January 16, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Sponsored by:
O'Brien's Irish Pub
SALUTE TO BUSINESS
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
5:30 - 9:00 pm
Mayborn Convention Center
Registration Required
The festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour featuring a Taste of Temple Reception. The reception showcases the culinary talents of local Chamber Member restaurants. Following this, is dinner and a keynote presentation.
We are excited to announce Brett Culp as the keynote speaker. Brett is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and founder of the not-for-profit, The Rising Heroes Project.
He is known for the films, Legends of the Knight, and Look to the Sky, both of which explore the power of heroic stories and heroic individuals to inspire us to believe in a better tomorrow.
Brett's newest film, A Voice That Carries, follows the relationships between fathers and daughters, premiered in June 2021. His films are featured on Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other top digital platforms.
Through his groundbreaking non-profit documentary work, Brett has pioneered the art of creating “minimovements” that inspire the super-human spirit in us all.
His unique approach to community-building and relationship-driven engagement invite people to connect with a noble vision and make a difference together.
Passionate, energetic, and engaging, Brett encourages audiences to find the superhero within and their own path to “everyday leadership.” His insights on connecting individuals to an organization's mission and goals resonate, help us realize our greatest personal and business potential, and renew our collective sense of hope for the future and belief that our efforts can make an impact.
Beyond the enlightening keynote, the Salute to Business is a time to celebrate community excellence, partnerships, growth and development in the greater Temple community.
To secure your spot at this impactful event, register now at templechamber.com or call the Temple Chamber of Commerce at (254) 773-2105.
For businesses seeking to elevate their visibility, sponsorship opportunities are still available for Temple Chamber Members.
Contact Bobbie Jo Young at (254) 773-2105 to position your brand in front of an engaged audience of Temple business and community leaders at Salute to Business 2025. Don't miss this chance to showcase your support for community excellence and growth.
December Renewing Chamber Members
ABC Home & Commercial Services
Acrisure
American Legion Post 133
Baird, Crews, Schiller & Whitaker, PC
Bell Contractors Inc.
Benjamin F. Edwards & Co./Chip Snowden
Beronio Wealth Planning
Bo's Barn Dancehall
Central Texas Housing Consortium
Centrifugal Castings, Inc.
Clearvista Financial
Cloud Construction Co., Inc.
Cornerstone Automotive
Crossroads 3PL Solutions, LLC
DB Commercial Real Estate/Lane Hutka, CCIM
Fairway 365 Independent Mortgage Corp.
Family Promise of Bell County
Feed My Sheep
First United Bank & Trust
Golden Age HealthPlans
Green's Sausage House LLC
Gunter Financial Services - Raymond James
Hawkeye Shooting Academy/Czerka Armaments Research
Jim & Dorothy Granfor
Jupe Feeds, Inc.
Kachemak Bay Flying Service
Larry Neal
Laura White Interior Design
Lengefeld Lumber Company
Lion Business Brokers, LTD
Lone Star Structures
Lucky In Love Tattoo
Magnolia Realty/Jodi Brazeal
Paperdoodles
Paradise Nails & Spa
Parsons Commercial Roofing
Pizza PieRos
Primrose School of Temple
REAL Star Property Management
Salon Karen
Signs of the Times
Spherion Staffing Services
Temple Machine Shop
Validus Fitness & Training Gym, LLC
Variety's Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children
Vista Community Church
Walmart Distribution Center #6083
December New Chamber Members
Cloudvoid, LLC
Sam Franklin | (254) 321-6619 2002 Scott Blvd. Temple, TX 76504
www.cloudvoid.com
Information Technology Services
Copeland Real Estate Group
Robert Mcconaghy | (254) 272-6787 210 E. Central Avenue Belton, TX 76513
www.sellingcentraltexas.com Real Estate
Make A Way Wellness
Deonta Davis | (254) 314-3454 1014 N. 3rd Street Temple, TX 76501
www.makeawaywellness.org
Nonprofit Foundations
O'Briens Irish Pub
Ryan Leshikar | (254) 295-0518 11 E. Central Temple, TX 76501 www.obrienstemple.com Restaurants
Retreat 254 RV Resort
Caden Eary | (254) 217-0212
9630 US Hwy 190 Rogers, TX 76569 www.retreatrvresorts.com RV Resort
SCORE Austin
Shannon Black | (512) 928-2425 PO Box 2322 Georgetown, TX 78627
www.score.org/austin Business Development Organizations & Associations
Tractor Supply Company
Jim Stumph 3530 N. General Bruce Drive Temple, TX 76501 www.tractorsupply.com Farm Equipment
Extraco ‘s innovative business banking solutions are designed to meet your goals, and help Central Texas businesses grow and succeed. Backed by a commitment to local relationships and in-house exper ts, our ser vices ensure your business has the suppor t it needs to strengthen our community.
RIBBON CUTTING
MM Concrete Construction Grand Opening
MM Concrete Construction is a women-owned concrete construction company servicing Central Texas. They specialize in the commercial industry: foundations, concrete paving, tilt wall, sidewalks, curb & gutter, demo & pourbacks. They are redefining construction excellence, one concrete pour at a time! Visit them on Facebook. Call Butch Matl for estimates (254) 223-1559.
Christi Mooney & Butch Matl 9532 E. US Hwy 84 Gatesville, TX 76528 (254) 223-1559
Honoring Departing Board Members
Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff
The leadership, vision, and dedication of our Board of Directors are the cornerstone of our Chamber's success. These passionate individuals provide invaluable guidance, helping us support our members and foster growth in our business community. Their commitment ensures that we continue to innovate, grow, and meet the ever-evolving needs of our Members.
Today, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to three extraordinary individuals who have served with distinction and are now stepping off our board: Claire Hartman of First Community Title Company, Dr. Bobby Ott of Temple ISD, and Casey Simpson of Oncor Electric Delivery. Each of you has brought unique strengths, perspectives, and talents to the table, leaving a mark on the Temple Chamber.
Your efforts have been instrumental in driving initiatives that have strengthened our business community and enhanced the services we provide. From navigating challenges to embracing opportunities, your leadership has propelled us forward. While we will deeply miss your presence on the Board of Directors, we know that you will always remain a vital part of our Chamber family.
Thank you, Claire, Dr. Ott, and Casey, for your dedication and service. Your impact will be felt for years to come, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in other capacities as we strive to build an even brighter future for our community.
A Day of Service and Discovery
Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff
The Leadership Temple Class of 2025 capped off an inspiring Social Services class day in December 2024 with a meaningful fall project. Partnering with Feed My Sheep Temple, the class brought fresh vibrance to the organization by painting one of its buildings.
The day continued with a visit to the United Way of Central Texas, where participants gained insight into the vital support the organization provides to our community. The group then toured Wilson Valley Mercantile and its distillery, rounding out the day with a festive holiday social.
Described by the class as exciting, emotional, and eye-opening, the experience left a lasting impression on the importance of service and connection.
Ambassadors in Action: Strengthening Connections and Celebrating Successes
Bobbie Jo Young, Temple Chamber of Commerce
As we wrap up another busy and successful year, we celebrate the accomplishments of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, a spirited group of individuals who empower members and serve as the welcoming face of our business community. This year, the Ambassadors exemplified the spirit of collaboration, leadership, and advocacy that defines Temple.
The Ambassadors played a pivotal role in connecting local businesses, nonprofits, and the community. Through their presence at ribbon cuttings, networking events, and Chamber activities, these dedicated individuals demonstrated the importance of building relationships and creating opportunities for growth and cohesion.
We kicked off 2024 with our 117th Annual Salute to Business Dinner Meeting, where our Ambassadors, donned in their bright blue coats, volunteered to welcome and check in guests. Throughout the year, they played a crucial role in ensuring that signature initiative events, such as the Baylor Scott & White Showcase, Summer Sizzle Block Party, 16th Annual Golf Classic, and 40th Annual Military and First Responder Salute to Service Luncheon, ran seamlessly.
In addition to their efforts at these larger events, the Ambassadors contributed to the success of our two monthly events—Business Link Lunch and Business After Hours. They handled check-ins, assisted with setup, and acted as connectors by introducing new members and attendees to seasoned Chamber participants, helping to ensure each guest felt comfortable and included.
From groundbreaking ceremonies to honoring established businesses, the Ambassadors were present to celebrate the achievements that showcase Temple’s spirited economy. Over the year, they assisted with 43 ribbon cuttings, further emphasizing the Chamber’s mission to support local businesses and continue to boost our thriving economy.
As we reflect on 2024, it is evident that the Ambassadors remain an invaluable asset to the Temple Chamber of Commerce. The dedication and energy of its members are a testament to the strength and potential of our business community. Looking forward, we are excited to expand this program further, inviting new faces and fresh ideas to continue making a positive impact.
To all the 2024 Ambassadors: Thank you for your unwavering commitment and contributions. You’ve set a high bar for the years to come, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for this beloved program.
2024 Ambassadors of the Temple Chamber of Commerce:
Trevor Coots, Chairman, Express Employment Professionals
Bre Alexander, Baylor Scott & White Health
Tommi Fettig, Cornerstone Gardens
Taneesha Kayser, Texell Credit Union
Kenny Kelly, Residence Inn by Marriott
Ashton Koontz, Horizon Bank
Tiffany Marek, Lamar Advertising
Stacy McGinnis, Extraco Banks
Lisle Meeker, Hooked on Health
Rylind Newman, Newman Technology Solutions
James Nickerson, Texas Veterans Commission
Terra Rountree, KWTX TV – News Channel 10
Matt Serna, MEP Electric
Kevin Thomas, Equitable Advisors, LLC
Rusty Thornton, Belfor Property Restoration
Reflecting on 2024, Preparing for an Impactful 2025
A Letter to the Temple Chamber Membership & Community:
As we conclude 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on our progress and outline the path forward for the Temple Chamber of Commerce. While I have served the Temple Chamber for the past nine years, 2024 marked my first as President & CEO, an honor that has allowed me to build upon the strong foundation established over the past 117 years.
2024 has been a year of alignment and groundwork, focused on listening, learning, and preparing for a stronger future. By gathering Member feedback and culminating in a strategic planning retreat led by the President of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, we clarified a vision that will guide our efforts in 2025 and beyond.
Since our founding in 1907, the Temple Chamber has catalyzed growth and innovation, advocating for business, infrastructure, educational institutions, and community development. This legacy inspires our ongoing work to address emerging challenges and seize new opportunities.
Our 2024 Highlights:
• Welcomed 98 new Members, expanding our network of over 1,000 businesses of all sizes.
• Celebrated 43 ribbon cuttings, marking milestones for businesses.
• Hosted signature events, including Salute to Business, the Baylor Scott & White Health Community Showcase, Summer Sizzle “Seltzer,” the 16th Golf Classic powered by Amos Electric, and the 40th Military & First Responders Salute.
• Resourced small businesses and entrepreneurs through our enhanced Small Business Connect initiative.
• Held the State of Temple College Public Policy Council Luncheon, highlighting the present accomplishments and future vision of the institution.
• Graduated the 35th Leadership Temple cohort while launching the 36th cohort, continuing a legacy of cultivating community leaders.
• Celebrated the third work anniversary of Bobbie Jo Young, the second work anniversary of Regina Tavernier, and welcomed Angela S. Cases to the Chamber Team.
While 2024 brought successes, it also tested our resilience, with the flooding of our Chamber building (3 times!) and the tornado impacting our community. Through these challenges, our Members demonstrated strength and unity under the banner of Temple Strong.
Looking ahead, 2025 will be a year of action. We aim to modernize our membership model, expand advocacy efforts, and integrate innovative tools to empower Members and add value. By building on our strategic vision, we will continue driving progress for our Members and the broader Temple community.
Your feedback and involvement are invaluable as we move forward. Through continued collaboration, we will build on the successes of the past while embracing innovation and adaptability for the future. Together, we are shaping a vibrant, resilient, and prosperous business community poised for continued growth and success.
Thank you for your trust and partnership. I look forward to working with you in 2025 and beyond as we turn vision into action.
Kindly,
Whitney Whitney Theriot President & CEO
Temple Chamber of Commerce
Whitney Theriot, President & CEO Temple Chamber of Commerce